Good day! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor of Mental Health (LPCMH). I received my MS in Psychology, specializing in Clinical Counseling from Capella University. I have extensive experience working with youth and adolescence in the community, outpatient, educational, and therapeutic in-home settings. I am a warm and friendly therapist who loves working with individuals of all ages and helping them unlock doors to achieve their goals, dreams, and desires. I find great joy in assisting individuals during times of adversity, find peace, hope, and healing. I believe in helping each person tap into their strengths to grow, blossom, and find balance. I utilize an eclectic approach, developing treatment and interventions tailored around the needs of the individual. My person-centered, solution focused, and strength-based approaches are used to guide individuals in gaining new perspectives on self and life. I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, to ensure that the entire family system is supported. My knack for communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution allows me to assist my clients in diffusing challenging situations and developing new ways to cope. I also believe in meeting individuals where they are and I am fully committed to making a positive difference in the lives of each person that I work with. My life’s motto is from a song sung by Mahaila Jackson, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain”.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session together, we will begin to build rapport, discuss informed consent, explore what you are struggling with, and identifying your goals for treatment. This information gathering session will help me create a tailored plan to develop and implement into treatment.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I believing in meeting the individual where they are and giving space and grace for self-expression and actualization. Helping someone develop and understanding of the causes of their struggles and developing a solution-focused plan that leads to hope and progress.

About JoAnne Gaines